Masonic News & Views -- You just can't help some peopleOctober 03, 2011

Greetings Brother,

I had the privilege of participating in a ceremony last evening in which the reins of the organization were passed peacefully from one capable leader to another; not always the case in today's society. The house was packed; the food was great, and it was a wonderful opportunity for fraternal and family fellowship. And, as an added bonus we got to dress up in our tuxedos and appear distinguished for a little while.

On my way out of town I stopped by the grocery store to pick up some necessities, and enjoyed the usual smiles, gawks, and colorful comments as I waddled up and down the aisles looking very much like a penguin pushing a shopping cart.

My shopping done, I exited the store and began carefully storing my cargo in the trunk for the ride home. As I closed the hatch I noticed a fit looking young man crossing the lot pushing a shopping cart. He had only a couple of bags in the cart and as he neared the metal cart-corral he lifted the bags out and gave the cart a shove in the direction of the corral. He then turned and reached in his pocket for his keys.

By this time I had stepped around to the driver's side of my car and was about to open the door and climb in when the fit young man pressed the button on his key fob to unlock his car. I was startled a bit when the car right next to me beeped and flashed its lights. I glanced up to see the fit looking young man headed in my direction. Our cars were pointed in opposite directions so I was standing next to the driver's side door of his car, as well.

I don't know why I did it, but as he approached I reached down and opened his car door. I swung it wide and stepped aside. He stopped several steps away. He studied me, standing there in full tuxedo at his open car door, for several seconds and then finally asked, "What the hell are you doing?"

I smiled politely and said, "Well, I figured if you're too lazy to push your cart all the way into the corral, you wouldn't want to be bothered with opening your own door."

It's amazing how fast a lazy guy can run when he wants to.

Fraternally yours,

Tim Couch

Now, on with the news........................

Saturday, October 8, 2011: Henderson Lodge No. 477 will host a Concealed Carry Firearms class. The education will begin at 9:00 AM at the lodge hall located at 127 East Center Street in Rogersville, MO. Lunch will be available for a donation, and the class will move to the firing range for live fire practice after lunch. The class size will be limited so reserve your spot by contacting Mike Smith at 417-753-4360 or Chad Porter at 417-763-1041.

The Tri-County Scottish Rite Club cordially invites all Scottish Rite Masons and their family and friends to enjoy fun and fellowship at their regular meetings held on the third Thursday of each month. Tri-County meets at the Elks Lodge in Bolivar , MO. Social time at 6:30 PM; Dinner and meeting at 7:00. Yearly dues are just $5.
For directions and inquiries please call John Bennett at 417-328-8188 or Jackie Slagle at 417-376-2943.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011: Clintonville Lodge No. 482 will honor four 50 Year Masons tonight in conjunction with their stated business meeting. Clintonville lodge building is located at 117 North Main Street in El Dorado Springs, MO.

Friday & Saturday, October 21 & 22, 2011: The Fall Reunion of the Scottish Rite Valley of Joplin will take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral located at 505 South Byers in Joplin, MO.
The K.C.C.H. (Knight Commander Court of Honor) Investiture will be held Friday evening. There will be a banquet at 6:30 PM followed by the Investiture at 7:30 PM. Please call 417-623-3219 for details or questions.

Friday, November 11, 2011: MWB John Hess, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri will hold an Area/Town Hall Meeting at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 505 South Byers in Joplin, MO at 7:00 PM. All Missouri Freemasons are encouraged to attend.

Saturday, November 12, 2011: MWB John Hess, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri will hold an Area/Town Hall Meeting at the Gate of the Temple Lodge building, 1700 North Boonville in Springfield, MO, beginning with breakfast at 8:00. All Missouri Freemasons are encouraged to attend.

Saturday, November 19, 2011: There will be a C2A (Chance-to-Advance) one-day class at the Gate of the Temple Lodge building, 1700 North Boonville in Springfield, MO. Breakfast will be ready by 7:00; Registration will begin at 7:00 AM and Lodge will be duly Opened at 8:00 AM. This C2A will be hosted by Solomon Lodge No. 271, A.F.& A.M.

Please Note: Due to acts of God and Government this year the date for the drawing for the new Chevy Camaro has been changed to March 17, 2012. Please help the Scottish Rite Valley of Joplin in their efforts to preserve and repair the beautiful Scottish Rite Cathedral in Joplin, MO. And, in helping preserve this piece of American history you could win a brand new Chevy Camaro. Tickets are just $50 each and only two thousand tickets will be offered. There will be cash prizes awarded, as well. For all the details on how you can help us preserve this beautiful and unique building please go to WWW.WIN-CAMARO.COM. or find us on Facebook and "LIKE" the page at Facebook.com/WinANewCamaro. We're a long way from our goal so please help spread the word. We truly appreciate your assistance. Thank you very much.

As you can see there's lots of Masonry going on in Missouri. See the links below to keep up with the latest or to submit information for your upcoming meeting.